A Wilmington man has been convicted in a cold case that spanned nearly four years.
On May 15, Dashawn Daley, 29, from Wilmington, pleaded guilty to Second Degree Murder and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony.
This conviction follows a detailed investigation into the fatal shooting of Hakeem Smalls, also 29, which occurred in 2019.
Attorney General Kathy Jennings expressed her gratitude for the relentless efforts of her team and the Wilmington Police Department.
She stated, "Thanks to their dedication and persistence, justice is being served at long last. May it bring some peace to the victim’s family and loved ones."
Chief Wilfredo Campos highlighted the significance of this guilty plea.
"This represents the culmination of our efforts to deliver justice for the victim’s family," he said.
"I appreciate the original investigating detective and members of our Cold Case Unit, who assisted in bringing our investigation to a close and ensuring the suspect will be held accountable."
On September 27, 2019, Daley robbed Hakeem Smalls at gunpoint near 25th and Monroe Streets in Wilmington.
Daley stole a .380 pistol that Smalls had legally purchased a few weeks earlier. He then shot Smalls twice before fleeing the scene.
Smalls was rushed to Christiana Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Daley’s plea also resolves a Violation of Probation that was pending at the time of his arrest for this crime in August 2023.
He is expected to be sentenced in June 2024 and will face a minimum of 18 years in prison, with the possibility of life plus 25 years.
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